Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 717A.4 — Use of pathogens to threaten animals and crops — penalty
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 717A: Offenses Relating to Agricultural Production, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 717A.4
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. Except as provided in subsection 2, a person shall not willfully possess, transport, or transfer a pathogen with an intent to threaten the health of an animal or crop.
a. For animals, a pathogen restricted under this section shall be limited to a biological agent or toxin listed in 9 C.F.R. §121.2(b), as that list exists on January 1, 2004.
b. For crops, a pathogen restricted under this section shall be limited to a biological agent or toxin listed in 7 C.F.R. §331.3, as that list exists on January 1, 2004.
2. This section does not apply to a person who possesses, transports, or distributes a pathogen in compliance with federal law, including but not limited to as provided in 9 C.F.R. pt. 121 or 7 C.F.R. pt. 331.
3. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class “B” felony.
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